About Ileostomy Surgery What is an ileostomy surgery?

Many people have some misunderstandings regarding ileostomy surgery. Many patients got frightened when they hear about the operation. They think their life will be complicated after having this surgery. Many people even think of death. However, this is not true. Today, I shall clear all your mix-ups related to ileostomy surgery. I have spent a lot of my time reading articles and grasping knowledge about ileostomy and ostomy. Thus, if you have any confusion or fear regarding the ileostomy surgery, read out the entire blog to clear your thoughts.

An ileostomy is an artificial and surgical small opening in the abdomen wall. The small opening in the belly is called a stoma. Ileostomy surgery has happened when the rectum or colon cannot work satisfactorily. In this surgery, the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) drives towards the stoma. The primary purpose of the stoma is to excrete the waste from the body through an artificial hole. After the ileostomy operation, you will emit the waste directly from the stoma. 

Thus, the natural process of excretion will change. It can be temporary and permanent. In some cases, you use the stoma for a specific period. And in some cases, the ileostomy surgery is permeant. Right after the operation, the stoma takes five to six weeks to settle down. The color of the stoma is usually pink or red. It gives you pain in the initial few weeks. But, after the six weeks, you get used to it. The life with a stoma is not a big deal. There is nothing scary in your life after the ileostomy surgery. 

Once the operation has done, you can come after your previous life routine, which you followed before the surgery. You can perform all your activities, either it is work, gym, sexual life, pregnancy, sports, or any other hobby. Therefore, the soma does not change your life, it only changes the way of throwing out the waste from your body.

Ostomy Pouch

When you have a stoma, you think about the waste you emit. Well, you will need a bag for the poop. You cannot leave your hole open. Apart from the solid waste, your ostomy will emit the liquid material too. And the fluid discharge is constant. Therefore, you will need an ostomy pouch to cover the opening. The ostomy barrier will hold all the waste, either it is solid or liquid. The ostomy pouches are drainable. 

You can clean your ostomy bag and change it. You will have to empty and clean your ostomy pouch four to five times per day. Well, the time has not fixed, it is up to your body system. Some people need to empty the bag five times a day, some people need to clean it more than five times, and many people only empty their bags three times per day. Therefore, the case of the cleaning varies from person to person.

Apart from the cleaning and emptying of the ostomy pouch, you have to change it. If you are facing too much liquid excretion, you should change your ostomy bag two times a day. Moreover, too much liquid can damage the adhesive and peristomal skin. Thus, you should use a medicated adhesive and clean your skin all the time. To get rid of the odor, you should use medicated deodorants and creams. 

You should be vigilant with your ostomy supplies. You cannot use anything for your stoma after the surgery. Every supply cannot suit your peristomal skin and stoma. However, before applying the adhesive, cream, perfume, or anything else, you should ask your doctor and nurse. Your WOC nurse will guide you on how to use the adhesive, how to clean the ostomy pouch when to change it, and what supplies suit you the best.